N.J. police officer suspended after tossing sisters by hair

Update on the case of the suspended Orange police officer who appeared to pin down two teenage sisters by their hair after one reportedly swung at him in a video posted on social media. (Oct. 13, 2017)
Sean Oates/NorthJersey.com

In this still image taken from a video posted to social media, an Orange police officer restrains two women after tackling them to ground on Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017.(Photo: Social Media)

ORANGE — Students from a New Jersey high school have marched to police headquarters after an officer was recorded on video grabbing a teen girl by the hair.

The scuffle occurred across from Orange High School on Thursday.

Nyasia and Kyasia Sorrells told News 12 New Jersey that they were getting pizza when Officer Hanifah Davis tried to clear the corner.

Video shows Davis talking to Kyasia when her sister approaches even though the officer told her to back up. Davis grabs her by the hair before both girls end up on the ground with Davis on top of them.

In a statement released Friday, Mayor Dwayne Warren and the police department say Davis has been relieved of duty pending an investigation. Both the mayor and the police department said they are taking the incident seriously and will keep the public informed as they learn more information.

Contrary to rumors on social media, an Orange Board of Education staff member was not arrested; he was issued a ticket and the issuance of that ticket is part of the investigation.

Jamie Summers-Johnson, a councilwoman for the South Ward, said on Facebook that many people have reached out to her but was unable to comment and re-posted the town and police department's statement.

A police union representing Davis wasn't immediately available for comment.